Hearts of Glass

a film by JenTen Productions

Synopsis

Hearts of Glass

Hearts of Glass Heart Logo

Hearts of Glass follows the tumultuous first 15 months of operation of Vertical Harvest (VH), a multi-story, state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse that grows crops while providing meaningful, competitively-paid jobs for people with disabilities. The film weaves the story of VH’s launch with the personal journeys of several employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Innovation and inclusion create a fertile environment for people and plants to grow.

VH is a vertical farm on 1/10 of an acre at an elevation of 6,237 feet in Jackson, Wyoming, a mountain town with extreme seasonal fluctuations in weather, population, and demand for goods and services. The employees with disabilities, part of an underestimated, underemployed and vulnerable population, are a vital and visible part of this community-based business.

Hearts of Glass is an intimate portrait of social entrepreneurship at the intersection of disability rights and sustainable, local food production.

 

 

“A story that pushes beyond the boundaries of what most have been exposed to in terms of innovative employment and community inclusion.”

Natasha Fisher, Director of Product Management
Relias

“A living breathing glimpse of the future.”

Tara Cunningham, CEO
Specialisterne USA

“Brings hope and new ideas to families that employment and independence with the support of the community is possible!”

Stephanie Coleman - Family Support Coordinator
Kansas University on Developmental Disabilities

“The film beautifully demonstrates that integrated employment with competitive wages for people with disabilities is a win for us all.”

Dr. Leonard Abbeduto, Director
UC Davis MIND Institute

“A powerful reminder of how our communities are made better when all members are included.”

Mark Morris, Crisis and Transition Support Team Program Supervisor
Nueces Center for Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities

“A moving journey through innovative food production, entrepreneurship and inclusion.”

Marissa Duswalt Epstein, Lecturer
Stanford Graduate School of Business

“I can’t choose one audience for the film because I wish everyone would see it.”

Dr. Kara Ayers, Associate Director
University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

“Terrific programming that Montana Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services used as a springboard to highlight our work AND that of a Montana employer who is championing competitive integrated employment.”

Chandra Hermanson, Administrator
Disability Employment and Transitions Vocational Rehabilitation, State of Montana

“The film is a breath of fresh air – inspiring, heartwarming and joyful.”

Jess Swigonski, Programming Manager
Wild & Scenic Film Festival

“An inspiring example of the value and contributions that people with disabilities bring to the workplace and the transformation that occurs in people’s lives when they are fully integrated as contributing members of the community.”

Dr. Robin Hansen, Director
Clinical Programs, UC Davis MIND Institute

“Amazing — an important movie that truly shows the value and loyalty this diverse group brings to the table!”

Mona Lisa Faris, Publisher
DIVERSEability Magazine

“A refreshing example of a social enterprise that leverages community buyin as a way to showcase and promote diverse talent.”

Elaine E. Katz, Senior VP
Kessler Foundation

“An opportunity for viewers to consider the power of community connections to foster and support meaningful employment.”

Barb Ziemke, Co-Director
PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment

“A compelling and timely story that enhances the Wyoming narrative and promotes engaged and inclusive communities.”

Shannon Smith, Executive Director
ThinkWY | Wyoming Humanities

“Captivating and inspiring.”

Dr. Emily Monago, Chief Diversity Officer
University of Wyoming

“A fantastic mash-up of agriculture and disability rights documentary. I’m excited about the conversations this film with spark about inclusion.”

Tim Villegas, Certified Autism Specialist
Founder/Editor-in-Chief, Think Inclusive

“A big source of creative inspiration from a small town in Wyoming…a story of employment possibilities for community members with developmental and other disabilities.”

Donna Meltzer, CEO
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities